Commander Security Forces-Jaffna (SF-J) Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe was awarded the prestigious Gusi International Peace Award 2010 in a majestic ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila on 24th November 2010. Eighteen others from various countries who were selected out of thousands of nominees also received the Gusi International Peace Award during the same ceremony attended by a galaxy of distinguished guests from all over the world.
The award ceremony 2010 organized by the Gusi Foundation commenced after all laureates were guided to the main stage under the shade of their respective national flags carried by Philippine military officers. It was followed by a military parade which National and Gusi colours were marched in.
Presentation of awards took place after a few speeches of senior appointment holders of the Foundation including Gusi Ambassador Hon. Barry S. Gusi and his wife Dr. Evelyn Gusi. Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe during his speech after receiving his award, which is Asian equivalent to the Nobel Prize, was much obliged to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Hon Secretary Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for their guidance given to establish peace and to launch various humanitarian projects for northern people promoting their economy and livelihood. He also shared the pride of being Gusi Peace laureate with all military personnel who are assisting him to create communal harmony through different kinds of welfare projects by Security Forces in Jaffna for Jaffna populace.
Family members of Maj. Gen. Hathuruisinghe, Chief Minister of the North Central Province Berty Premalal Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Ambassador in the Philippines Mr. N. Bennet Cooray, senior Sri Lankan military officers, Sri Lankan expatriates in the Philippines and some diplomatic officials represented the country at the ceremony, according to